Tuesday, March 32

And… that’s a wrap!

This will definately be a year to look back on. To reread the posts from the quarantine. I hope we never have to live through something like this again and I REALLY hope that the light at the end of the tunnel is sooner rather than later.

I have learned to slow down, to be more patient and to re-evaluate what I really need on a day to day basis. I have seen so much kindness in the midst of chaos. I shudder to think of the “after”. The ramifications of being shut down so long. The businesses going under, the families not being able to support themselves anymore.

I am thankful that my family and friends are healthy and safe (for now) and that my hubby and I are both able to work from home, continue to get paid and walk out the other end still intact, hoping that the impact on our lives is minimal.

Best wishes to all of you!

Monday, March 30

My life revolves around food…

Last night during our family zoom (yes, my parents made it on with only a few hiccups) my brother summed up my current life with a statement about his own. He said that he pretty much spends his day thinking about what he wants to eat next.

This. is. me.

This has always been me, but now it seems a bit more exaggerated because I don’t have a lot going on. After breakfast I start thinking about what I can make us for lunch. As soon as lunch is cleaned up I pretty much start planning for dinner. On my walk today (after lunch) I spent a lot of time thinking about dinner meal ideas for the week.

Basically, it all comes down to one thing; I REALLY need some hobbies!

Sunday, March 29th

Trying something new…

Today I stopped by my parents again (I know, I know) but this time was to help get them set up so that they can socially distance and still see the family.

I have mentioned before that my parents are the least tech savvy people EVER!!! It is actually kind of sad, but as the tech boom started neither of them worked in jobs where they needed it. It just never became a priority.

So today I went over to show them how to join a Zoom chat and set up the initial configurations. At first we were just going to try and walk them through it over the phone, but they are also both hard of hearing so…. I just went over quick and set it up. We practice 4 times and now I wait and see if they can click the link in the email and join our family chat tonight!!

Wish us all luck.

Saturday, March 28th

Can we talk about Tiger King for a minute?

I don’t normally watch much TV. Food Network, HGTV are usual go to channels and usually when I am winding down or making dinner. Every once in a while I get into a show and watch the whole thing.

Fast forward to today… rain, rain, rain here in the Chicago area + social isolation does not leave a lot of options for things to do. So I binged all 7 episodes today.

WHAT??? I felt like I was transported to the 80’s. Where did these people come from? Where do they find all of those cat themed clothing and home decor? Does everyone in Oklahoma do meth and have no teeth? If you know you are being interviewed do you immediately decide that shirtless is the best option?

I have so many questions…

Friday, March 27th

Spring Break!!!!

I should be packing. I should be double checking that I have everything that I need. I should be texting my niece and my childhood BFF to confirm our plans for the weekend. I should be…

Instead I am safe at home. I read something today about how changing one small word can change your mindset. I am NOT stuck at home… I am safe at home.

Thursday, March 26th

95% social distancing…

I can live without clothes shopping or hitting up the bars and restaurants for a few weeks. I can even stop seeing my friends (since now we have time to text all day long). I am even fine having to stay home and not kill time running errands just to get out of the house.

The hardest part… my parents. They are struggling with all of this and I worry about their well being. Normally, we try to keep them active and get out of the house as much as possible. My nephew (8) spends a lot of time there and keeps them busy by going to all of his sporting events.

Now? They have no outlet. They really aren’t the “get out of the house and go for a walk” kind of people. They are trying not to go to the store much (just during the AM senior hours). They are the least tech savvy people I know so they don’t facetime or video chat (or even take their damn cell phone out of the car to text).

So my sister and I have been going over about every 5 days or so. Picking up some take out and having lunch together. Just spending some time together and bringing some normalcy to their lives.

The rest of the time I am staying 6 feet from everyone.

Wednesday, March 25th

Listening to my hubby’s work voice…

Our new normal is both of us working from home at our kitchen table. We have a small office upstairs, but neither of us really prefer being closed off. We enjoy being in our open living space, talking to each other between virtual meetings and phone calls.

I love listening to his work voice. He is not a serious guy at all and I see that side to him a lot as he talks to his coworkers; making small talk and chatting about the mundane. Then he has to talk shop. Honestly, I know very little about what he does. He works for Motorola in the parts and repair division (which has a fancy name that I don’t know). As he talks, I realize that I have no idea about anything he says (It does not stop him from trying to constantly explain it though). “Work” Mike is not the guy I know so it is so interesting to me to listen to him all day. It makes me wonder what he would think if he could see me teach and interact with my students all day. Is there a “work” side of me that I take for granted but is not like the “home” me at all?